Image source: Chicago Tribune
Chicago pastor David Ryan was accused of sexually abusing a minor on Friday, adding to previous allegations made years earlier.
The allegation
St Francis de Sales was informed by the Archdiocese of Chicago last week that Father David Ryan has been accused of sexually abusing a minor.
According to a letter to St. Francis de Sales parishioners, the archdiocese has received word of two allegations against David Ryan.
The Archbishop’s office shared the letter with local media later Saturday.
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The letter
On September 17, the Archbishop of Chicago wrote a long letter to the parishioners of St. Francis de Sales Parish, stating:
“I am writing with upsetting news. Yesterday the Archdiocese received two allegations of sexual abuse of a minor against Fr. David Ryan.”
“As is the case with all such matters, the archdiocese will report these allegations to civil authorities and offer assistance to the persons who made them.”
“In keeping with our policies, I have asked Father Ryan to step aside until our Independent Review Board can investigate the allegations and present its recommendations to me.”
“He has agreed to cooperate fully with our process, which will move forward as expeditiously as possible.”
“We will provide Fr. Ryan with pastoral assistance, and I know he is grateful for your support.”
Previous allegations
The current issue brings to light previous sexual abuse allegations against Father Ryan in the fall of 2020.
Father Ryan was reinstated into the active ministry in September 2021 after the allegations were deemed “unfounded.”
The press release also revealed that the archdiocese would report the allegations to civil authorities and provide assistance to those who made them.
That year, the allegations were reported to the Cook County State Attorney’s Office and the DCFS.
It is unclear whether the new allegations have yet been reported to the authorities.
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What will happen to Father Ryan?
For now, Father Ryan will resign from his pastoral duties as the Archdiocese’s Independent Review Board completes its investigation into the indictment.
They will then make a recommendation to Archbishop Blase J. Cupich on the following.
Cupich revealed that Father Ryan agreed to cooperate fully with the investigation process, which would have accelerated the situation.
Reference:
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